Race and classic pictures

Palou completes first F1 test with McLaren in Barcelona

©McLaren

His legal wranglings with Chip Ganassi Racing settled, 2021 IndyCar champion Alex Palou was in action with McLaren on Wednesday at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

The Spaniard was expected to transfer from CGR to Arrow McLaren SP for next season's IndyCar campaign, but the American team had the last word in its dispute with Palou and the latter will therefore remain with CGR in 2023.

However, perhaps as a show of good faith and appeasement, CGR has authorized the 25-year-old to test with McLaren in F1, along as his duties don't overlap with his IndyCar commitments.

©McLaren
©McLaren
©McLaren
©McLaren

 

With his season in America done and dusted last Sunday at Laguna Seca, Palou was free to make his F1 test debut in Spain yesterday onboard a 2021 McLaren MCL35M.

No details have filtered regarding how the outing unfolded for Palou, but McLaren did release a few pictures from Barcelona.

Regardless of how things went, it's likely the Spaniard headed home dreaming of F1.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

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